On behalf of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), we are pleased to present the 2018 OCME Annual Report. The OCME investigates all deaths in District Columbia due to injury or violence, as well as natural deaths that are suspicious, unusual, or unattended by a medical professional. The 2018 OCME Annual Report provides key statistical data stemming from our critical work in death investigation and certification, as well as a snapshot of our key achievements over the year.

We are pleased to present the 2018 Child Fatality Review Committee (CFRC) Annual Report, which highlights statistical data and recommendations resulting from reviews conducted on the deaths of children/youth that were residents of the District of Columbia prior to or at the time of their death.

We are pleased to present the 2018 Developmental Disabilities Fatality Review Committee (DDFRC) Annual Report, which highlight statistical data and recommendations resulting from reviews conducted on the deaths of children/youth and persons with developmental disabilities that were residents or receiving services from the Government of the District of Columbia prior to or at the time of their death.

The DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) investigated a total of 11672 deaths due to the use of opioids from January 1, 2014 through November 30, 2019. This report examines the presence of opioids (heroin, fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, morphine, prescription opioids and the general category of opiates) in deaths observed at the OCME.

The 2012 relocation to the state of the art Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) has enhanced the Agency’s profile and mission to provide effective and accurate death investigation and certification.